I would have loved to own an RX10 IV. In the past I have used smaller sensor cameras, including the Lumix FZ200, FZ300 and FZ1000. The FZ1000 was an incredible camera, not as sharp as the RX10 IV, but very good, and without the extra reach. It was a very logical, usable and ergonomic camera. I matched it with a micro-four thirds Lumix LX100. The 1" sensor always surprised me and was not far behind the m4/3 sensor from that gen. Although the 1" sensor can lack some color depth, I find that this isn't always a bad thing, as it can impart a certain stylistic look. As I moved towards APS-C interchangeable mounts, I was able to get back the bridge camera experience by using a Tamron 18-300 (28-450mm full-frame equiv). Mounted to a smaller body like an X-E3, the combined weight is under 1kg and relatively compact. Makes a great travel combination and good for fair weather hikes. It is a weather-resistant lens and in tougher conditions I use with an X-H1. Both these cameras are similar vintage as the RX10 IV, and are still excellent to this day. The biggest advantage of the Tamron is it is a manual zoom, and not zoom by wire. I find it speeds up the process considerably, and also makes it easier to tuck in your bag. However, if most of your shooting is scenic, then this may not matter as much but for events and moving subjects it is helpful. Image quality wise, the Tamron is decent, but I wouldn't be surprised if the RX10 is better edge-to-edge. If I had to start over today, I might look into a Nikon setup running the new Nikkor 28-400 (725g) or the just released Tamron 50-400 alongside a cheaper manual prime. Though I'd still be tempted to go back a two camera setup and that would be one bridge RX10IV and one travel compact Leica D-Lux 8 (pretty much a LX100 with nicer trimmings) both 20mp. Just like my old FZ1000 / LX100 setup, it would cover practically every occasion.
Wow, you have tried a lot 🙂 I must admit, that if I search ultimate image quality I don't use the RX10, but rather a full frame or even medium format camera. But when versatility is important, RX10 is the answer in my case.
I got mine used but in good condition for only 600 euro, and I think you can get it much cheaper that 1350 pounds. I have seen one recently on eBay from UK to only 450 pounds.
Lovely video. But honestly you must be thinking of another camera if you’ve seen a used one for £600 and another for £450. I look regularly as I want to buy another one to complement the one I already have and used you’re looking at a min of £800 usually more. However if anyone is watching this from the UK get a new one from E infinity for around £1130. Anyway I digress, I watch your Hasselblad stuff which I enjoy, I have a GFX. But… without reservation the RX10IV is the best camera I’ve ever used, it’s like a Swiss Army knife of cameras on steroids. Thanks.
I hope youre not offended by this but i think you could totally play Arnold Schwarzeneggers less swollen brother. But seriously, youve totally sold me on the RX10 Mark 4
No not offended at all. But to my knowledge, Arnolds brother died very young, and I'm 67, so unless I'm wrong I definitely couldn't play him. Glad you liked the RX10 mk. 4, I use it every time I'm in doubt of what camera to use, as it is a multipurpose tool more than any other camera I know of.
I would have loved to own an RX10 IV. In the past I have used smaller sensor cameras, including the Lumix FZ200, FZ300 and FZ1000. The FZ1000 was an incredible camera, not as sharp as the RX10 IV, but very good, and without the extra reach. It was a very logical, usable and ergonomic camera. I matched it with a micro-four thirds Lumix LX100. The 1" sensor always surprised me and was not far behind the m4/3 sensor from that gen. Although the 1" sensor can lack some color depth, I find that this isn't always a bad thing, as it can impart a certain stylistic look.
As I moved towards APS-C interchangeable mounts, I was able to get back the bridge camera experience by using a Tamron 18-300 (28-450mm full-frame equiv). Mounted to a smaller body like an X-E3, the combined weight is under 1kg and relatively compact. Makes a great travel combination and good for fair weather hikes. It is a weather-resistant lens and in tougher conditions I use with an X-H1. Both these cameras are similar vintage as the RX10 IV, and are still excellent to this day.
The biggest advantage of the Tamron is it is a manual zoom, and not zoom by wire. I find it speeds up the process considerably, and also makes it easier to tuck in your bag. However, if most of your shooting is scenic, then this may not matter as much but for events and moving subjects it is helpful. Image quality wise, the Tamron is decent, but I wouldn't be surprised if the RX10 is better edge-to-edge.
If I had to start over today, I might look into a Nikon setup running the new Nikkor 28-400 (725g) or the just released Tamron 50-400 alongside a cheaper manual prime. Though I'd still be tempted to go back a two camera setup and that would be one bridge RX10IV and one travel compact Leica D-Lux 8 (pretty much a LX100 with nicer trimmings) both 20mp. Just like my old FZ1000 / LX100 setup, it would cover practically every occasion.
Wow, you have tried a lot 🙂 I must admit, that if I search ultimate image quality I don't use the RX10, but rather a full frame or even medium format camera. But when versatility is important, RX10 is the answer in my case.
At an average price of £1350 (UK) it's a bit out of my price range. Excellent review though and thanks for sharing your lovely images.
I got mine used but in good condition for only 600 euro, and I think you can get it much cheaper that 1350 pounds. I have seen one recently on eBay from UK to only 450 pounds.
Lovely video. But honestly you must be thinking of another camera if you’ve seen a used one for £600 and another for £450. I look regularly as I want to buy another one to complement the one I already have and used you’re looking at a min of £800 usually more.
However if anyone is watching this from the UK get a new one from E infinity for around £1130.
Anyway I digress, I watch your Hasselblad stuff which I enjoy, I have a GFX. But… without reservation the RX10IV is the best camera I’ve ever used, it’s like a Swiss Army knife of cameras on steroids.
Thanks.
Great and informative review!
Thanks for your comment, I'm happy to know you liked it 🙂
I hope youre not offended by this but i think you could totally play Arnold Schwarzeneggers less swollen brother.
But seriously, youve totally sold me on the RX10 Mark 4
No not offended at all. But to my knowledge, Arnolds brother died very young, and I'm 67, so unless I'm wrong I definitely couldn't play him. Glad you liked the RX10 mk. 4, I use it every time I'm in doubt of what camera to use, as it is a multipurpose tool more than any other camera I know of.